How to prevent excessive sweating?

Almost everyone sweats more than usual when exercising or in hot weather, but some people generally sweat too much,Excessive sweating is common in adolescence but can continue throughout life .It can cause body odour and affect work and social relationships.

People who sweat excessively are also more prone to fungal skin infections. Although some people are naturally susceptible to this problem,other factors,such as stress and anxiety,may have a significant role. Excessive sweating sometimes occurs in women around the time of the menopause, or as a feature of conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
• The sweating is prolonged or unusual

• You are losing weight

Seek further medical advice if:

* You are still troubled by excessive sweating or body odour after following the advice described here

* You have any other symptoms associated with the excessive sweating

What you can do yourself
There are some useful home treatments that help to reduce sweating and body odour.

* Bathe or shower at least once daily in warm (but not hot) water.Dry yourself thoroughly afterwards.

* Use an antiperspirant or an antiperspirant combined with a deodorant.If an ordinary product does not work,try a stronger preparation containing aluminium chloride
* Wear clean underwear and clothes every day.Choose natural fabrics,such as cotton,particularly next to your skin.Avoid tight clothes.

* If your feet get sweaty,wear leather shoes and cotton socks,and change both regularly.Go barefoot or wear sandals whenever possible.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day,to replace lost body fluids.Cut down on alcohol and drinks containing caffeine,particularly hot drinks.

* Avoid spicy foods,which are likely to make you sweat,and onions and garlic,because of the odour.

* If you sweat when you are anxious,try practical techniques that reduce stress

* If you are overweight,try to lose some weight.

Drug remedies

Antiperspirants and deodorants
Antiperspirants block the pores that produce sweat,while deodorants attack the skin bacteria that cause body odour.many products contain a combination of the two.Apply them daily after washing.If you develop skin irritation,use a hypoallergenic product.Absorbent,deodorizing foot powders are available for feet.

Aluminium chloride preparations
(see p 177) treat severe sweating from the armpits,hands,or feet. These are usually roll-ons that are applied to dry skin each night and washed off the next day.Use the product less often as sweating decreases.Dont use it on broken or irritated skin.close to the eyes or lips,or if you have shaved or removed hair from the skin in the previous 12 hours.

Using aluminium chloride
Wash thoroughly and make sure that your skin is completely dry before you apply the antiperspirant.